jerque - Recent messages

For a morning "escape" the valley of Kamniška Bistrica was chosen. Starting with the Orglice waterfall, about which enough has been said elsewhere and I have nothing essential to add. Followed by the Predaselj aka Predoselj gorge; both name variants are traceable, per one sign the second was used in the past. Surprisingly the forum search finds nothing for either, so I got to writing, which might help someone. It is a very narrow and fairly deep gorge carved by Kamniška Bistrica soon after its source. Since it is so narrow, it is not possible to make a path through it like in Vintgar, but it can be viewed at several spots, mostly from the top, and in the southern part one can safely descend right to the streambed. It is supposedly divided into the northern Veliki and southern Mali Predaselj; I do not know the exact boundary.

Start at the Firštova miza parking lot, which is reached by driving approx. 400 m further from the Orglice, Predaselj etc. parking lot and spotting it on the left, recognizable also by the small transformer. Anyway, this parking lot is free for now . I didn't even know that from there a road leads over the bridge and immediately to the playground, tables etc., where parking is obviously also possible; there is also a sign about the gorge there. But if I had known that, I probably wouldn't have been able to learn about the nadvojvodova miza.

After viewing the mentioned table, we do not go along the previously mentioned side road but at the transformer look for the path that soon leads to the junction of official hiking trails. The directions given there do not tell the "gorge enthusiasts" much, so we go left; the trail gently descends to the wooden bridge that crosses the gorge. We could easily overlook it if we did not hear the rushing somewhere deep below. Right after the bridge there is a new split. Again we turn left and carefully (!) descend on steps carved into the steep slope down into a slightly wider "amphitheater", actually all the way to river level. For instagramers this is undoubtedly it; we can nicely see and capture how the Soča-like emerald river rushes out of the extremely narrow gorge and immediately afterwards flows under the short "natural bridge" or whatever. It is enough to easily "deviate" from the path all the way to the gravel; for even better pictures we can bring fishing boots with us and hope that the river level is not too high right after some rain . Immediately new steps follow onto a new rock and from it again down to the place where the gorge definitively ends. But the view here is somehow not so spectacular, also because of a rock that partly obscures the view towards the natural bridge. I did not go further; according to the map the path continues further along the right bank of Kamniška Bistrica, and the next bridge over it should be somewhere near the cable car to Velika Planina.

So I return back through the "amphitheater" to the bridge; although the official signs direct somewhere away from the river, at first I stick to the trail right along the edge of the gorge. Several times one can see over the edge to the bottom, but the gorge is so narrow and deep that the bottom is more guessed than seen. There are no safety features anyway, but with some common sense it is not dangerous. This trail suddenly ends with some "pedestal" literally on the edge of the precipice. I did not have enough "balls" to dare step onto it, no matter all the likes in the world up or down. There I of course turn around, then the first right turnoff leads to the path that leads to the previously mentioned playground and tables. The signs say that it is only about half an hour's walk to "Pri Jurju"; the official signs for the Mala izvirska pot do try to direct us somewhat away from the gorge, but right next to it there is also a path with some views down, likewise unprotected except for one small and monolingual warning sign about the deadly danger of the precipice, but even here there is not really any danger, except of course if we deliberately push too much to the edge of the precipice.

Thus we reach a noticeable bend, which also marks the northern end of the gorge, after which the path joins the official one and descends somewhat lower towards the river. The continuation is somewhat uglier for walking; we clamber over rocks, cross the beds of some side springs, until we finally reach the meadow near Pri Jurju. Just a little further is the former "weekend" place of Aleksander, which Plečnik designed on his order. According to the sign it should be a protocol object today, but somehow it does not look as "posh" as e.g. Strmol. From there it is not far to the source of Kamniška Bistrica and the hut by it...

As said, using common peasant sense the path along the gorge is not dangerous; the section to "Jurja" is somewhat more awkward, but in any case appropriate hiking footwear is mandatory elsewhere too. Around the hut itself at the KB source I met more like a sample of other people; on the way back a father with a child at that previously mentioned playground, and that was it; in the side valley to Orglic there was not a single living soul. I assume that this was more of a coincidence on an icy cold off-season weekday at earlier hours...

Since the forum is called “conditions”, first a quick summary for those who don't feel like reading “novels”. Most important: the path along the Idrijca upstream to the so-called Mrak's sluices or sluices on the Idrijca is still closed due to a landslide (according to Google Streetview it was at least since last October), no idea when it will be repaired, whoever wants to get exactly to these sluices can try “attacking” them from Vojsko (with some combinatorics skills they can be connected to the Kanomelj ones) or even via marked paths from the Trnovo Forest (I think past several Golaks). But both sluices on the Belca are easily reachable without problems: Brus's and Putrih's. The circular path over Krekovše from the Lajšt swimming area at the confluence of Belca and Idrijca is easy, safe (at least as long as we don't look for “instagram” angles right at the sluices), and suitable for practically everyone, routed mostly on gravel forest roads with occasional asphalt sections, since the gravel is very good and practically without potholes, it could even be done on a road bike. Unfortunately, it's also very friendly to quads, which can dust us thoroughly at the “wrong” timing (tourist season, weekends). That's why we planned a dead-season Monday and beyond the “border of civilization” in Idrijska Bela we really didn't meet a living soul. With really bad planning (summer weekends, more below) they can also surprise us with literal Bohinj parking fees. With which the municipal fathers are just promoting “sustainable” intrusion of metal deeper into the wilderness... Surprisingly, the sluices aren't among the trips yet, which I've already fixed and it's currently awaiting approval.

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So, that was the summary, now to rambling for those who feel like reading . Divje Lake isn't exactly technical heritage, but if it's already on the path and easily accessible, maybe even too easy… If we're precise, it's actually not a classic lake, but more like a karst spring of the shortest Slovenian river Jezernica, so something similar to the “windows” in Retovje near Vrhnika. We secretly hoped that due to recent rain and snowmelt season it would be bubbling as per the name, but… apparently you need to hurry there right after a serious heavy rain. Anyway, when we branch off in Podroteja from the main road between Idrija and Godovič, soon there's a bridge over Jezernica and right after it a small parking on the right. Since parking spots aren't marked, capacity depends on our Tetris skills. Two short paths lead to the lake, one on each bank of Jezernica, but right under the mighty wall (about 100m high I think) terrain doesn't allow either. The northern path is Vintgar-easy and could even be walked in clogs, the southern one already requires somewhat better footwear: first it crosses rock on uneven steps, and even after the terrain isn't flat. When the lake level isn't too high, you can even bypass the fence at the end of this path and get almost to the wall. The famous siphon we mortals can't see anyway. My eagle eye of a glasses-wearer didn't spot any viewpoint on the wall above, but if anyone knows of some less official and sufficiently safe access from the old “French” road or path along the feldbahn route, I'm all ears. Just this, since space is limited, wide-angle lens is necessary for majestic immortalization, so it's worth studying a photo app on the phone in advance. And try to time the visit when there's no foliage on the trees.

From Divje Lake to Idrijska Bela the road goes approx. 6 km through a narrow gorge. Not just the gorge, the road is narrow too and in many places doesn't allow two cars to pass. On top, all blind curves and you have to watch carefully what's behind them. There are some roadside parking for a few cars, usually nearby bridges that on our side typically continue into paths up the steep bank. On the other side of Idrijca, maps suggest a walking path, up to Kobila dam a bit beyond Jezernica it's called Path by the crayfish and somehow replaces the Idrija town park, further on… given we met a runner on the road, the path probably isn't exactly suitable for that activity… If anyone knows, does it also offer similar views as from the road in the narrowest parts of the gorge?

Through Idrijska Bela we stick to the main road, then the 30 zone already indicates we're approaching Lajšt swimming area at the confluence of Belca and Idrijca. As mentioned, there are several parking lots at the swimming area that can serve as a good starting point for circular paths too. The first parking on the left was closed with a barrier, but two right after the wooden bridge over Idrijca were open. The one on the right somehow seems more natural, with an eco island too. If early morning it was somehow expected we'd be the only ones there (not even camper overnighters, who apparently aren't chased here), it's somewhat surprising our car was the only one even on return around noon. And as said, if we end up “wrong time wrong place”, it can cost us quite a bit. All parkings have a uniform fee, mostly really free, but in July and August on weekends and public holidays (Assumption 15 Aug) each hour costs exactly 3€. Or that was last year, they have time to change municipal ordinances for this year. Now consider that the sluices alone take at least 2 hours each way… Just for comparison, apparently that's the price in far more notorious Bohinj too, checked in several articles from last summer where they rant about Bohinj “usury”. Plus, payment only via some app that adds 15% commission to users. At the same time, this app tempts for 24/7 paid parking (“even if we check regularly, something falls into the till without machine operating costs and need for regular emptying”). Is there really such a rush on summer weekends (which must inevitably show on the narrow road)? At least then there's a free bus from Idrija and Črni Vrh, at least the last few years it was like that.

In the past it was probably different, hence building sluices for timber transport by water, some century ago Italians built a network of solid forest roads and thus “retired” the sluices for half a century before mining end would have done it anyway. So the path leads us all the time on fairly nice and wide roads, which at the end of Idrijska Bela recategorize from municipal to forest, mostly nice gravel without potholes, but some random asphalt sections too (hmm, if asphaltizing, isn't it more logical to start at one end and progress?). From start we go up along Belca first (in the village keep left). Since on foot and no other disturbances, more opportunities to observe surroundings, especially as the valley gets gorge attributes again and reveals channels, potholes etc. as seen through still bare trees. Not far from village a small waterfall on the other side catches attention, and perfectly a bridge before it. But looking at it doesn't inspire confidence, even before transferring my approx. 80kg net weight to the first board, doubts deepen. Hell no, not even a Peričnik is worth risking a fall several meters into shallow stream, luckily we have some optical aids for approaching, even a compact with extendable lens up to 30x optical zoom, but unfortunately surrounding trees mess with autofocus as expected, manual I'll have to learn . “Advertises” itself also Babji zob, that's probably the lone “needle” a bit beyond that bridge. The path drags on and on, after approx. 1 hour of not “pensioner” pace from start finally. Finally Brus's or Belca sluices appear. Already from the amount of info on boards you could guess these are the “the” sluices, since closest to Idrija and they send tourists there who want to “tick off” any sluices. Even before reaching them, you can descend (very carefully!!!) somewhere along the torrent bed to a lower position for better “instagram” shots, which indeed reveal the “waterfalls” aren't even high. Otherwise you can walk across the dam to the other side, where stairs down the steep bank await. Careful again needed. Sure, fenced, but if we slip anyway (e.g. looking for photo angles), under the lower “lip” can still carry us vertically into Belca several meters below! Then more stairs bring us to a small lower space right by the water “tunnel”. How accessible in high water periods, hard to say. If we want to see sluices closer from behind too, no need to descend steep slope right behind them, better go by road another 100m, where a path branches left, gradually descends to the flat by Belca and from there almost into the “tunnel”.

Road further up along Belca soon (again) enters narrow gorge, where attention catches not a lone “needle” over left bend this time. But further can't miss pure alpine view on some vertical wall, probably Putrih or nearby peak. After approx. 25 min walk from Brus's, Putrih's sluices appear. Don't know if there was a natural waterfall here before sluices? If yes, surely a natural sight, since “waterfalls” from sluices noticeably higher than Brus's. This time I assess descent on slope before sluices too dangerous, plus trees and rocks obscure view too much for any “added value”. These sluices were supplementary and less powerful than Brus's, so description much sparser. But can descend to both tunnels via two narrow staircases (shorter ones watch heads too!). Easily find access to Belca behind sluices and thus almost to tunnel.

From here not far to Belca spring, but officially not accessible. Right after sluices road sharply turns 180° and starts climbing ridge separating Belca and Idrijca valleys. If trees not leafed yet, another nice view on sluices offers, then after approx. 20 min reach Krekovše. This is like a pass, steep slope to Vrh Bata one side, more moderate to lower Osrednik other, both obviously forested with matching “views”. On the pass itself a hamlet with few houses, first noticed on right coming from Putrih's is Krekovše hunting hut owned by namesake hunting society. No opening times data found anywhere, but tables and benches by hut, if nothing else can refresh from brought supplies.

Krekovše also kind of junction of several paths. One could take us straight to Brus's sluices (if return via Belca valley too), another shortcut to Idrijca near Lajšt, we chose longer variant on forest road, also some views, first crosses torrent bed, then after bends descends to Idrijca, briefly up along it until crossing on bridge. After bridge new fork. Left/up along Idrijca would reach sluices on Idrijca after stretched walk. But sign at fork says path passable only 1.7 km (at first glance even less than half to sluices), beyond still closed. So turn right and soon reach next sight, few meters reconstructed Idrijski Lauf, said to be world's first forest railway. When insatiable mine/ore processing needs exhausted timber along sluiced streams, forced to cut several km from rivers, so transported timber to them by “railway” or given wooden sheetmetal-clad rails better “wooden road” or “lesenica”. Tracks modular, portable to other locations, operated until sluices abolished about century ago.

Idrijca here shyly shows charms now and then, some unofficial viewpoints too. Also emerald color, could “sell” it to some as Soča . Already before lots of picturesque torrents on steep slopes along path, when path after “lauf” after last bridge reaches right bank of Idrijca again, first warming small waterfall right after bridge, bit further really stunning cascade from top of vertical rock face to bottom. Probably occasional torrent character, else surely declared tourist sight. From there another 10 min to Lajšt or approx. 1.5 hrs from Krekovše incl. time at lauf.

Return almost no oncoming traffic too. All roadside parkings empty, surprisingly even at Divje Lake, so seize chance quick stops at some, though strictly per traffic rules not allowed (wrong side etc.). One at bridge to Strug climbing area (access to bridge requires some climbing skills already), other exactly where “feldbahn” (field railway from Godovič WWI) finally descended to road level. Path along this feldbahn route on wishlist for some time, bothered me a bit that right at Idrija end/start warnings about difficulty, which somehow doesn't match former rail routes…

When in Podroteja almost at main road junction, another “oh right!”. Luckily no sign forbids short parking by chapel under steep slope. Few meters towards Idrijska Bela maybe someone noticed steep stairs into slope. Which quickly lead to entrance of Italian “Alpine Wall” bunker from interwar. Headlamp small enough always part of obligatory gear for such explorations. Without it'd trip quick on crate inside. Inside some Italian inscriptions preserved (or someone wrote later????), coords maybe useful since GPS probably doesn't “pull” in these “cellars” . By seen and smelled luckily no one takes literally niche labeled “latrina”, where soldiers apparently had to do business right on “čučavac”. More interesting, right by latrine stored “viveri”, which dict translates as provisions or food . From bunker entrance fresh concreted stairs lead to steel observation dome, nearby beehive with bees not too thrilled by curious. But wait, what's that on meadow above other side of main road, surely not another bigger bunker or barracks? How come I haven't noticed till now? But fence by road itself, other question if can get closer around without disturbing property….

Well, at least I will be able to tell my grandchildren that I also conquered Storžič, even if only the Pristovški one. The day before yesterday (Tuesday) an ideal opportunity arose for a slightly longer loop (according to the tracker a little less than 20 km) in this area. In summer, the Carinthian side of the Karawanks is rather poorly visible due to poor ventilation of the Klagenfurt basin and abundant evaporation from the Carinthian lakes, but this time I reasonably suspected that it had already cooled down a bit and that the showers from the previous afternoon had cleaned the atmosphere.

I start on the Austrian side of the border crossing Jezerski vrh / Seebergsattel. First because from the top of Pristovški Storžič you can also see with the naked eye whether the car is still in its place. And also so that I could "stamp" and 100% legally enter Austria, but there was literally no one at the crossing.

If anyone is thinking of stopping at the inn right by the border, let us say that they have Ruhetag exactly on Tuesdays, which in Austrian means closed. By the language it somehow seems to me that they are not exactly targeting Slovenian guests, nor tourists from the supposedly "besieged" Jezersko, among whom I strongly doubt that German predominates. From the starting point you can already see the vertical eastern wall of my (first) goal, even the cross on the top. There is also a sign there mentioning this "Storžič" as well, because it was put up by the bilingual municipality of Železna Kapla, it is also in Slovenian, with the mountain name literally translated from the German version, i.e. Koroški Storžič.

As it turns out soon after the start of the path, this is also more or less it as far as Slovenian is concerned. First the signs exclusively in German mischievously ask us to smile at the camera, then warn that we are crossing a water protection area and strictly prohibit looking for possible shortcuts or polluting (probably meaning possible "relief"). Hunters (hmm, I think there are quite a lot of Slovenians in their ranks) are obviously of the opinion that "Zutritt verboten" will suffice so that we Slovenians and other Ausländer will not succumb to temptation and climb the observation posts along the way.  Soon I reach a junction at some hunting hut where a decision has to be made. And from the "red" path I turn onto the "black" Kranjski vzpon (Krainersteig). Yes, in Austria they mark difficulty with the same color scale as ski slopes and Austrians obviously do not share the opinion with the forum users here that the path is supposedly not particularly difficult. When the path at some point almost reaches the border, we can intentionally "overlook" the marked short shortcut that cuts a 180° bend of the forest road, and right from the border itself treat ourselves to another view towards the group around Grintovec. Hunters certainly enjoy an even nicer view, but German signs here also do not allow us to climb the observation post. Well, then the "real" ascent along the cables. Somehow my conclusion is confirmed that the rocks should already be more or less dry and with soles with some logo in the shape of a yellow octagon it really goes without problems. Let us also say right away that all cables are excellently maintained, in many places they look brand new and they do not skimp on thickness either. The next opportunity for views also comes after the end of the second section of cables, when after a rather steep ascent across a crack we reach the western slope and the path even starts to descend for a short time. Then another section with "cables" and we are almost at the top.

The assumption that the showers would clean the atmosphere also proves true and really beautiful and crystal clear views open in all directions, at a fairly early hour the worst are still straight towards the sun in the east. Thanks to some "young retirees" from Bela (Vellach) we can rest on an emergency bench instead of on rocks. Politics unfortunately cannot be avoided. At first glance it is clear that the cross on the top is quite different from the usual simple ones on peaks. Already at the border crossing we could read that it is the same cross with which veterans of the battles for the southern border were decorated (of course from the Austrian/Carinthian perspective), on the 42nd anniversary of the plebiscite it was erected by the veterans' organization of the home guards and the famous Heimatdienst. On the plaque below it they dedicate it both to the home guards who prevented the immediate annexation of southern Carinthia to the Kingdom of SHS, as well as to Slovenian and Windisch inhabitants who voted in the plebiscite against the division of Carinthia and finally also to the victims of these battles on both sides. Well, whoever does not feel exactly in line with these organizations should rather try to avoid visiting on days around the for some "holy" 10th of October...

Enough politics. The descent follows the officially easier "red" northern path. Unlike the southern "Kranj" one it was considerably wetter and one had to be quite careful on mud and among slippery rocks, even the cables on the shorter section came in handy in these conditions. Then the saddle and the "junction" Kepp (this forum also uses the German name, apparently in Slovenian it should also be Kepa?), where the hardest part ends. Instead of a shorter return right towards MP I turn left towards Korte. It must be said that on the official yellow direction signs they still consistently use the Slovenian name alongside the German Trögern. Well, the path drags on quite a bit, most of it through forest, at first on still quite nice logging roads, but at some left bend we must be careful not to follow it too much (and get lost "somewhere") and not miss the junction onto a narrower path along the fence. From here it goes a bit on forest roads, a bit on forest paths, practically impossible to miss until we nevertheless reach Korte or the hamlet around the church of Sv. Križ. Only here did I find out that I had just crossed the supposed bear area , well, the monolingual warning sign is also more in the style of "don't be too scared".

I was slightly hoping that I would meet someone here and test my understanding of the local dialect of Slovenian, but unfortunately there was not a living soul here either, although the houses looked tidy and showed signs of life. The village is remote (as it seemed, the authorities do not even grant them asphalt), in any case very idyllically located under Tolsta Košuta and Virnikov Grintavec (if a tree or two less obscured the views of the church it would already be too kitschy) and I photographed it quite a lot from all possible points around, if it were on our side of the border I would certainly have to jostle with tourists at certain observation points like around Jamnik... In some places the possibility of resting under the linden next to the church is mentioned, but it would only work by sitting in the grass, some possibilities were also indicated by a smaller barn nearby, but similar to the linden it was somehow not clear whether it was private property, which in Austria they take extremely seriously. Perhaps also this, judging by the gravestones around the church it seems that the village is exclusively Slovenian.

I leave Korte by a shortcut past the large house by the church, where it is still visible that there used to be an inn, and head towards the Roblek pasture, of course not the famous one under Begunjščica. Soon after Korte we find ourselves in the forest, and with that for a nice while also the end of views. The rather wide and very solid gravel forest road drags on again and all the time climbs quite concretely, at some junctions one also has to watch a bit not to turn in the wrong direction. When we nevertheless approach the border, a new marked junction "Roblek-Alm" follows, the official path turns right towards the border, but I decide on a shortcut straight across the actually quite idyllic pasture, where there was no (more) livestock. Past the only house on the right and along a not very trodden "path" directly across the pasture, until the sign "Achtung, Staatsgrenze" (attention, state border) follows, it looks considerably older than 35 years, so still deep from the times when the warning was very appropriate, since the border guards on our side vigilantly watched the border and did not hesitate to shoot either (I am still curious what it looked like if some uneducated cow nevertheless strayed across). There I cross the border line, photograph once more in the direction of Tolsta Košuta and Virnikov Grintavec, and more than obviously there was no one in ambush waiting for "illegals"... Right there the forest road that comes on the Slovenian side of the border stones branches in several directions. The most overgrown direction on the right seems as if it would lead somewhere towards Jezersko, so it is out. Left would go on the Austrian slopes of Roblek, but I decide on the middle path (and also the best road), which crosses Roblek on the Slovenian slopes and confirms the assumption of some solid views towards Jezersko.

When I already leave the slopes of Roblek and the left path joins the road again, I notice some parked cars by the road, probably this will be some starting point for Virnikov Grintavec or Pristovški Storžič by unofficial paths.... When I first see a house, I already think it is Rakeževa planina just before the goal, but at some junction of forest roads there is a house with an abandoned guard post. It is certainly not a pasture, probably a former border post. If until now I was completely alone the whole way, a little further from here I finally run into a person. Actually two tourists on electric bikes who got lost while looking for some waterfalls I had not heard of (of course, if the highest Slovenian waterfall is at the other end of the Jezersko district). I hope they learned the lesson that Google Maps may be good for navigation on main roads and through cities, but in the wilderness it is even worse than nothing. Well, soon Rakeževa planina also followed with somewhat less spectacular views in the direction of Jezersko, then finally also the border crossing. First with the translation "Heute Ruhetag" I disappointed a group of French "English" speaking cyclists, to some other tourists who quickly stopped on the way across the pass it seemed very obviously extremely unusual what some guy in hiking boots and other mountain gear was doing there among the peaks and by the mountain signs.

Based on the posts, this thread seems to refer to the Korošica below Košutica or, in Carinthian, Ljubeljska (Ger. Loibler) Baba.

Anyone planning to take the so-called hunter's or border guard's path in the coming days, watch out! That parking lot "Podljubelj", a bit further from the camp memorial or, in other words, reachable via the gravel road that branches off to the right from the main road in the first 180° turn after the memorial, is closed (fenced) due to some construction work. Not only parking, construction signs also prohibit passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Well, a slightly more faded sign on the board says that this should apply from 8am to 5pm. At dawn, i.e. around 6am, there really was no one there yet and it was easy to find a hole in the fence.

"Early birds" can still use this path if they park e.g. at the memorial, from where a path parallel to the main road quickly leads to the construction site, otherwise just consider alternative routes, e.g. via the "old" Ljubelj or along the mountain supply forest road from "Vanček" (in the last turn before the former camp) or wherever.

Slightly inconvenient that at the other end there were no signs of closure, neither at the hut nor at the junction of this hunter's path from the marked (more conditionally) path to Mali grunt, i.e. on the border ridge path between the "old" Ljubelj and Košutica.

Unfortunately I have no information what they are doing at all and how long it will last.

Anyway, the hunter's path is unmarked and you just have to rely on instinct or some GPS track, cows are still grazing on the pasture, except for some school trip to the pasture, you only occasionally meet some hiker around the pasture as well as on Košutica.

On the Delo websites there is (still) no article, but in the paper edition there is one with the title "Late for the bus, later to the mountains, greater risk", which deals with the regime in Vrata, with interlocutors noting that at 4am there is still no crowd, later though...

But more interesting than that is the last paragraph, where the newly elected PZS president is supposedly actively working on solutions for regular mountaineers. I quote him in full:

Quote:
More and more Slovenian mountaineers report that they prefer to avoid the Vrata Valley, also because of the high parking fee. As Šolar said (that is the PZS president, note by my humble self), during the season nothing more can be done, but the mountaineering association is striving to introduce a vignette system that would apply to multiple parking lots and could be used by all those who frequently go to the hills. »But we need to get all parking lot operators and agree on a unified system. This would mean that you pay once and use all parking lots. Here the mountaineering association is seeking benefits for its members.«
End of quote

As for Konec, someone apparently got a thousand euro fine:
https://n1info.si/novice/slovenija/avto-parkiral-pod-grintovcem-in-se-povzpel-na-goro-ob-vrnitvi-ga-je-sokirala-zasoljena-globa/

Update regarding Vršič. At the beginning of September the parking lot at the top will be finished with capacity for 80 cars (3 of them for disabled), plus 8 spots for parking up to 15 minutes, parking will still be free this year. At the same time in September the previously raised barriers will start operating and a system of separate entry lanes for transit and those who want to park up there.

More at: https://siol.net/novice/slovenija/na-vrsic-prihaja-velika-sprememba-698367

Due to the fire in the nearby mountains (I apologize for not knowing the local geography, more in the article below) the road to Mangart Saddle is closed until further notice, of course tours in the fire area are also not recommended. Given the dry conditions, I'd say off the top of my head that this could last quite some time...
https://siol.net/novice/slovenija/v-bovcu-izbruhnil-pozar-na-delu-air-tarctorji-in-vec-gasilskih-drustev-697891

From tomorrow onwards, there will be an entrance fee for Savica again, namely 4€ per person except for children up to the age of 16. It will be free for everyone every first Sunday of the month. At the same time, access will only be possible during opening hours, which will depend on the season.
https://siol.net/trendi/potovanja/do-slapa-savica-nic-vec-brezplacno-vstopnina-697919

As a "response" to the barriers, a free bus will run over Vršič during the summer season, with 16 departures per day in July and August, and 8 in June and September. Time will tell whether it will manage to meet demand during the "peaks" and whether it will reduce traffic chaos at all... More here:
https://n1info.si/novice/slovenija/do-konca-septembra-brezplacen-avtobus-kranjska-gora-vrsic-bovec/

This one appeared on my home lawn. Since I'm really not an ornithology expert, I asked ChatGPT, which says it's a fledgling great tit (Parus major), that the parents have just thrown it out of the nest as a regular part of "training", so it learns a bit of hopping until it flies, they'll still feed it, apparently they were also diligently watching me from nearby while I was photographing...

I was last there at the end of February, when it was "dry as pepper", but according to this I wouldn't nurture too high hopes. Otherwise, besides the rain, the snow melting around Snežnik is also a factor.

That's right, this isn't exactly "new" (unless they've expanded them from in front of the hut elsewhere), because it was definitely there at least last fall.

Regardless of your opinion on all this, I recommend installing that "pink" app anyway, before the trip "drag" the marker to the desired spot and check if there's a parking fee. OK, sometimes they charge through other providers (e.g. Cerkniško or Završniško Lake), but mostly still (also) through these. And you can continue checking if you have enough funds on your payment card so nothing unpleasant surprises you, like e.g. in some notorious places in B...

Yesterday for the first time in the Glinščica valley . On the "Italian" side, because on the Slovenian side apparently movement restrictions apply until the completion of the second track, and with the current Italian understanding of Schengen, one can't be completely sure how legal it is to cross the border on some goat paths. What to say, the canyon is truly magnificent, it could be "sold" to many followers as alpine , for those of us who aren't exactly snow lovers, it's a pretty good winter option for testing fitness and refreshing technique on somewhat more demanding terrain. The entire canyon area lies on Slovenian ethnic territory (and even with various signs, bilingualism seems to work), so I think it's quite right to consistently use Slovenian names and perhaps only mention the Italian one at first mention for easier orientation on international maps.

The favorite paths seem to be the walking path from the Premuda hut in Gornji Konec (it. Bagnoli Superiore) or Boljunec (it. Bagnoli della Rosandra) towards Botač (it. Bottazzo), where it seems it could even be done in "city" shoes, and the cycling-walking path along the route of the former railway line from Trieste to Kozina, which climbs the northern slope of the canyon (the ascent is apparently up to about 32 per mille), just before the border it makes an S bend past Draga and then enters Slovenia. This path is named after the Triestine cyclist Giordano Cottur, who achieved some nice successes on the Giro in the period just before and after WWII, at two places where I saw it, there's very nice macadam (so probably doable with a "road bike" too), there was quite a bit of traffic for a workday, but everyone without exception was riding slowly enough, so probably no "close encounters" with "pedestrians". There are also a few tunnels on the route, but they are all short enough that we really don't need a light during the day.

For those from the coastal region, the most suitable entry point is probably Boljunec or Gornji Konec (apparently the parking regime there is very complicated and depends on "holidays", which by Italian law include all Sundays), for those from other parts of Slovenia, it's most convenient to leave the Primorska motorway at Kozina, drive through the border crossing at Krvavi Potok (obviously, there's no real control there, the Italian policeman waves nicely to all non-suspicious to continue), at the first serious junction turn left towards Jezero (it. San Lorenzo) and immediately after the narrowest section of the road through the village on the left we see a parking lot at the viewpoint itself, which also allows the disabled and less mobile to get some impression of the canyon. A little further on the left there's another gravel parking lot near another viewpoint. Of course, both are free and without time limits for parking, in the middle of the workday there were only a symbolic number of cars at both combined, roughly balanced between Italian and Slovenian plates, a few more vehicles with Italian plates were parked next to the village church upon departure, where it's obviously not prohibited.

Any hiking map shows that there are plenty of official and otherwise marked paths in this area, which is really impossible to cover all in one go. For someone who's there for the first time and interested in views for possible future visits as well as suitable photo spots and at least some cultural heritage, the most representative route seemed to me from the church of St. Lawrence along the northern edge past the Stena cliff (the Italians didn't even "translate" it but added Monte in front), descent to the cycling path and then to Botač, then along the "walking path" towards Premuda and along the way with side paths to the Supet waterfall (according to some Italian sources, Cascata di Val Rosandra) and the church of St. Mary on the Rocks (it. Santa Maria in Siaris), then just before "Premuda" a branch to the ascent to Muhov grad (it. Castello di Moccò) and then past Hrvati (it. Hervati) along the nearest unmarked path to the viewpoint at Jezero.

Already on the technically easier section along the edge to Stena, the decision for proper hiking boots proved correct, later of course even more so. But the northern edge is somewhat higher than the southern, so besides Trieste and Milje we can get a good look at the canyon itself and the opposite side, especially the ridge where Cippo Comici is also noticeable (does the ridge have a name?), on its steep slope Mary on the Rocks really invites us to test telephoto lenses.

Somewhere on Stena the warm-up part of the "walk" ends and the descent follows, first to "Cottur", where we notice signs that it's routed right along the border. Looking for suitable viewpoints, I take a short walk along the path. And of course I run into goats, maybe even the same ones that thoroughly licked my car on Socerb a few weeks ago. And right on the section where a multilingual sign warns of falling rocks and wild animals, with a goat drawn. From a suitable spot, I view Tabor above Botač on the Slovenian side of the border from afar, but it looks like there are just some walls and everything around is obviously overgrown, so I don't risk possible "illegal" border crossings and skip it. More out of curiosity, I quickly go to the "wine cave", which also lies on Slovenian territory, judging by the predominant English (and no Italian at all), someone is counting mainly on tourists from so-called "third countries".

Then to the rest area, where a path branches off descending to Botač, which shows that despite its remote location there's still some life there. Interestingly, when I was walking around Osp, Socerb etc. a while ago, I noticed quite a few monolingual signs "proprietà privata" or "attenti al cane", but in Botač right on the Italian side of the border at one house a monolingual sign "beware of the dog", someone else bought an Italian mailbox with "posta" and hand-drew a roof over the S... The first bridge in the village itself leads to the Slovenian side of the border, as we are immediately greeted by a "fence" in the colors of our tricolor, next to it a small house that was probably once a guard post or border crossing. Our path then goes a few meters along the road until a new path branches left past ruins, probably a mill, over a bridge above the confluence of Grižnik and Glinščica, then that mentioned "walking path" to "Premuda". If until now I haven't met a living soul (not counting cyclists and a few runners on "Cottur"), now it's different, as I meet more and more coming from the opposite direction... it's harder to call them all hikers, many look more like walkers or companions of four-legged pets, because with my classic hiking gear I seem somehow exotic. Interestingly, surprisingly many respond to my bilingual greeting in Slovenian. But in order. When the path reaches the scree, if we look around a bit instead of at screens, we notice the Supet waterfall. And as if on cue, a poorly made "path" branches downward; before it becomes too steep, with a little care (and of course proper footwear) we can reach a point where the waterfall is offered to us on a plate.

Upon returning to the path, soon an unmarked branch left towards Mary on the Rocks. Uff, this eastern approach is quite steep and technical, with us it would definitely already have a "fixed rope". But with the right footwear, it's not too big a deal. At the locked church there are some rocks that invite rest, birdwatching and possibly a snack. Contrary to expectations, the waterfall isn't visible from there, actually only the upper part is, the rest is obscured by a cliff. Fortunately, the western and also marked approach to the church is much less technical and more zigzag. Upon returning to the main path, I find another short and "trodden" branch downward, from where we get an even more telephoto view of the entire waterfall. But when I return to the path and pass the branch to the church, there's... a somewhat scratched and sticker-covered sign, but still clearly prohibiting approaching the waterfall. So I've unknowingly committed an offense at least twice, because there was definitely no such sign from the other side. Who knows, maybe the path maintainers think that those who came to Botač via other paths are well-equipped and experienced enough to judge for themselves how far they can go...

Back on the "highway" towards "Premuda". With one eye I somewhat worriedly look at two houses high on the slope, which I know belong to Jezero (which we'll have to reach anyway), with the other at another steep "little hill", which I'm already sure is Muhov grad. Meanwhile, the path approaches Glinščica and soon after a small rest area the map tells me to branch off. First across Glinščica. No bridge, but at normal water level you step into the shallower part of the river (and in practice test the manufacturer's claims about waterproofness of the footwear ), from where you can step onto a rock on the other bank. Then just steeply uphill on a poorly trodden path on the bare slope (not recommended in summer heat), in the last part even on smooth rock. With proper soles it goes, but on wet I wouldn't dare anyway. The effort is rewarded with an official semicircular viewpoint, from where we have Gornji Konec and Boljunec like on a plate, not to mention the canyon. From here a nice gentle path would take me near Zabrežec (it. Moccò), but I take the poorly trodden path right to the top... to find that only one wall remains of the castle among the trees. I descend towards Zabrežec on an otherwise quite OK forest path, ignoring one fallen tree. Some official marked path would join "Cottur" somewhere "in the middle of nowhere", so with the map I find a more direct one that crosses "Cottur" in an underpass and reaches Hrvati. Just before the first house, a new branch to a path that the map calls "Biscottone Trail", which in a quite steep ascent somehow bypasses the wall and reaches the viewpoint at Jezero, architecturally the same as the one at Muhov grad. From here it's not far to the road and Jezero.

Anyway, the photos are mostly in "raw" state and would need further processing, which takes time.

Those remains above Soriska planina (Lajnar, both Slatnik, Možic, intermediate barracks now sheepfold, and more up to Vrh Bače....) are the Alpine Wall or Vallo Alpino, i.e., the Italian version of the Rupnik Line. All listed also stand on the once Italian side of the Rapallo border. Otherwise, there are signs at most of those listed as part of the themed path.

Due to the importance of Soriska planina, the Italians explicitly achieved getting it and their territory there stuck out somewhat. The border thus came from Baška grapa along the southern slopes of Sp. Bohinj mountains to Dravh, the last meters of the road from Sorica (obviously, the one from Bohinj was built only after the war) as today's parking lots at the chairlift and draglift were literally on the border, then the border somehow past Šavnik went westwards again so that Bohinj was still on the south side... In detail at https://www.rapalskameja.si/zemljevid-in-podatki/ Border stones (the main one was at Dravh) I think there are none left today in this area.

Rupnik Lines were usually not built right at the border. If going from Soriska along the marked path to Ratitovec, some smaller bunkers of the same or similar template are noticeable. The first is somewhat hidden left of the path in the forest shortly before the path under Kremant last leaves the forest, one is photogenically placed where the path from Sorica or Danj joins, some are found a bit below the summit of Altemaver if going along the path that bypasses it, two not so nice ones are also at Gladki vrh right above Krekova koča. All that I know, I have also marked on maps based on OSM, e.g., Mapy.com

While wandering around Socerb (the most famous one on the Karst edge with views of Trieste), I came across a scene right near the castle that I would have expected more in the Alps. I've encountered quite a few young goat-like animals with unusual horns several times. First in the vertical wall itself, then right on the path. Given the crowdedness and popularity of the place, they're obviously used to people, they don't flee but just retreat to a safe distance, in the wall they feel safe enough not to run away, some even pose and don't let themselves be disturbed too much. Probably theirs are the pellet-like droppings all over the place. At the very end, I had to "chase them off" (or they retreated when I approached) from my car, which they were licking enthusiastically, especially the tires were soaking wet.

So, what animals are these, and what did they like so much about the car? If someone felt threatened and one attacked with those horns, it probably wouldn't end well...

A few days ago I hiked under Kraški rob and especially in Hrastovlje, from where the photo is taken, this protruding cliff right on Kraški rob quite "excited" me. Is it perhaps Jampršnik? Generate a panorama from Hrastovlje shows me only some lower hills still before the edge, Dr. Google finds me only pictures of Jampršnik from the south side, where it also shows similarly semicircular, but just in case I prefer to ask.

Whatever it is, if you can get there hiking (so without the popular climbing in those parts) and legally (so not on unmarked paths, possibly even across private land), the views would be "killer"...